How Much Do Celebrity Homes in NJ Really Cost? A Breakdown

If you have been on the market for a home in the East Coast of the United States, then you may already have an idea of the average cost of a home in New Jersey. Believe it or not, the price of real estate in New Jersey is surprisingly high, driven by factors such as location, convenience, amenities, security, and even prestige.

 

Celebrity homes in NJ image

📖 Published on: January 31st, 2025

✍️ Updated: January 31st, 2025

⏳ 12 mins read

Granted, these prices may not be as high as New York, but they come close. In 2024 alone, the average sale price of an average New Jersey home was at $533,300, and the average price per square foot was $312.

There are also a good number of neighborhoods that have increased the price of real estate in the past year, such as Camden, Fort Lee, Paterson, and Hackensack. It’s obvious that New Jersey is on the up and up – and all predictions point to an even greater increase in the years ahead. That being said, there are also a lot of properties which were previously owned by celebrities, and these have their own demand as well. So if you’re looking for your home sweet home on the East Coast and you want the star appeal of a celebrity home, look no further than New Jersey. But how much do celebrity homes in New Jersey really cost? Let’s have a look.

A touch of star power: homes with celebrity appeal in New Jersey

As mentioned, New Jersey boasts a collection of extraordinary homes that exude star appeal. These luxury properties, nestled in some of the most picturesque neighborhoods imaginable, have a reputation for attracting the elite - celebrities, athletes, influential figures, and more. From opulent mansions to record-breaking sales, these homes are a testament to the state’s hidden glamour. Some properties have graced the market recently and stood out – here they are:

Mendham Borough: a modern palace with a classic facade

Mendham Borough is a quaint town in southwest New Jersey, and it offers more than just small-town charm - it’s home to a stunning mansion originally modeled after the Palace of Versailles. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the property’s extensive amenities, including a swimming pool and even an apple orchard. Indoors, a wine cellar, a movie theater with surround sound, and a library with floor-to-ceiling built-ins offer plenty of entertainment options. You can have all these for a mere $5.48 million – and believe us, this is just a fraction of the cost of other mansions found in celebrity enclaves like Alpine!

Mendham Borough itself is a jewel, offering a vibrant downtown filled with restaurants, boutiques, stables, and nature preserves. Public schools in the area are also a major draw. The town has hosted notable residents such as Mike Tyson, Chris Christie, and Whitney Houston, adding to its celebrity status and appeal.

North Bergen: a jazz legend’s home breaks records

In September last year, the North Bergen residence of Grammy-winning jazz great Paquito D'Rivera hit the market. Shortly after, the home sold for a record-breaking $1.525 million, surpassing the previous highest-selling single-family home in the area by $425,000.

This sale shows the growing appeal of North Bergen, a town with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and access to nearby parks and cultural hubs. D'Rivera’s home reflects his legacy - a harmonious blend of comfort and creativity.

Alpine: a classic hub for luxury living

Alpine, New Jersey, is THE place to be if you want to be seen – and seen some more – in all your glory. It is, after all, synonymous with star appeal and opulence, and its homes continually set the standard for luxury. For instance, in a record-breaking deal, a mansion in the exclusive Rio Vista neighborhood sold for $16.7 million. Although it was listed at just under $20 million, the sale still represented a significant profit for the sellers, who had purchased the home for $13.375 million in 2013. Spread across four acres, the home features eight bedrooms, nine full bathrooms, and three half-baths. Grand 12-foot ceilings, a custom kitchen, and a state-of-the-art home gym make up the primary living areas. The lower level comes complete with a bowling alley, billiards room, home theater, and wine cellar. Outside, the estate boasts a pool, cabana, tennis court, putting green, and a guest house.

This sale comes as evidence of Alpine’s reputation as one of New Jersey’s most prestigious neighborhoods. But this is just the tip of the iceberg in Alpine - the town also holds the title for the most expensive home ever sold in the state - a 27,000-square-foot mansion that fetched $28.46 million in 2006. Just down the street from the recent sale, another $22.49 million property currently ranks as Alpine’s priciest listing. With a median home price of $5.8 million, Alpine is definitely a playground for the wealthy.

A breakdown of the average cost of a celebrity home in the Garden State

Average home price in New Jersey image

1. Alpine

Alpine consistently ranks as one of the wealthiest zip codes in the United States, as you already previously saw. This small Bergen County town is known for its gated estates, privacy, and proximity to Manhattan. Celebrities like Stevie Wonder, Chris Rock, and Russell Simmons have all called Alpine home.

Average cost of a home: Homes in Alpine typically start at $4 million and can go up to $20 million or more, depending on the size and amenities.

What you will get: Mansions in Alpine often boast multiple acres of land and come with indoor or outdoor pools, tennis courts, wine cellars, and state-of-the-art home theaters. For instance, a 10,000-square-foot mansion with 8 bedrooms and panoramic views of the Palisades could cost upwards of $15 million.

 

2. Colts Neck

Colts Neck combines beautiful rural charm with luxury, making it a favorite among celebrities who prefer a quieter lifestyle. Bruce Springsteen is perhaps its most famous resident, and Jon Stewart has also owned property in this area.

Average cost of a home: Homes in Colts Neck range from $1.5 million to $12 million.

What you will get: Properties often feature expansive horse farms, private lakes, and resort-style amenities. A $5 million home, for example, might include 15 acres of land, a guesthouse, and equestrian facilities.

 

3. Saddle River

Saddle River, also a borough located in Bergen County, offers an idyllic escape with its tree-lined streets, fields, forests, rivers, and large estates. Because of its close proximity to New York – Saddle River is just 25 miles northwest of Manhattan - the town has attracted stars like Mary J. Blige, soccer player Tim Cahill, author Mary Higgins Clark, Rosie O’Donnell, and Ja Rule.

Average cost of a home: Properties here range from $2 million to $10 million.

What you will get: Homes in Saddle River often feature custom architecture, sprawling gardens, and luxurious details like marble floors and grand foyers. A 7-bedroom mansion with a heated pool and wine cellar could set you back around $6 million.

 

4. The Jersey Shore

The Jersey Shore isn’t just for summer tourists and beach brats - it’s also home to some of the state’s most luxurious beachfront properties. The Jersey Shore isn’t just a short community – it stretches across 141 miles of coastline, from Perth Amboy to Cape May Point. As proof of its enduring appeal and star power, celebrities like Jon Bon Jovi and Queen Latifah have invested in oceanfront homes in areas like Rumson, Deal, and Long Branch.

Average cost of a home: Beachfront properties range from $3 million to $25 million, with Rumson and Deal commanding some of the highest prices.

What you will get: Imagine a 10,000-square-foot home with private beach access, infinity pools, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. These homes often include private docks and boathouses, which add to their allure.

 

5. Short Hills

Located in Essex County, Short Hills offers upscale living with easy access to New York City – it was also one of the places with the most expensive ZIP codes ranked by Forbes. The town is a magnet for wealthy professionals and celebrities alike, including former New York Giants players, pro PGA golfer Max Greyserman, and Anne Hathaway.

Average cost of a home: Homes in Short Hills start at around $1.5 million and can go up to $6 million or more.

What you will get: Expect to find Georgian-style mansions with open floor plans, gourmet kitchens, and spa bathrooms. A $3 million home in Short Hills often includes a wine cellar, a fitness center, and a heated outdoor pool.

Luxury homes in New Jersey image

The hidden costs of owning a celebrity home

While the price tag on these homes is jaw-dropping, to say the least, we all know that the costs of ownership go far beyond the initial purchase. Maintenance, property taxes, and insurance are all factors to consider, as you will see below:

  • Property taxes: New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the country. Taxes on a $10 million home can easily exceed $200,000 per year.
  • Maintenance: Keeping a multi-acre estate pristine can cost tens of thousands annually, especially for landscaping, pool care, routine repairs, plus the thousands of minute costs that eventually add up.
  • Security: Celebrities often invest heavily in home security systems, with costs ranging from $50,000 to $1 million, depending on the level of sophistication.

Why do celebrities choose NJ?

But here comes the bigger question on everyone’s minds: why do so many celebrities, despite the higher costs, still choose to make New Jersey their home? We could think of a few good reasons why, but these reasons stand out the most:

  • Privacy: Many of New Jersey’s luxury neighborhoods are gated and secluded, offering a level of privacy that’s hard to find in Manhattan.
  • Proximity: The state’s prime locations allow for easy access to New York City, Philadelphia, and major airports.
  • The diversity of options: From beachfront retreats to equestrian estates, New Jersey offers a variety of high-end properties that cater to different lifestyles and an array of preferences.

Celebrity neighborhoods in New Jersey image

The long-standing appeal of celebrity neighborhoods

Living in celebrity-friendly areas isn’t just about star power - it’s also a savvy and worthwhile investment. Think about it: property values in towns like Alpine and Saddle River have remained strong, even during market downturns. Moreover, these areas often boast top-rated schools, world-class wining and dining establishments, and upscale, top-of-the-line shopping (not to mention the many outlets spread across New Jersey!), making them attractive to high-net-worth individuals beyond the celebrity set.

Celebrity homes in New Jersey are the height of modern luxury, combining the most opulent amenities with the convenience of proximity to major urban centers. These properties – whether it’s a majestic retreat in Alpine or a beachfront cottage with all the modern comforts in the Jersey Shore - come with astonishing price tags but equally impressive perks. For those who can afford it, New Jersey offers a slice of paradise tailored to the lifestyles of the rich and famous. If you’re dreaming of owning a celebrity-style home, start saving - or maybe start your own chart-topping career!

Similar articles

Are you sure?

This will delete all chat history, and I will not remember what we were talking about.

Todays Hot Deals